An halachic hotline has been launched by the Conference of European Rabbis (CER), in conjunction with rabbis from the Israel-based Beit Va’ad Le’Chachamim, to provide information and guidance to rabbis.

Staffed by halachic experts, it has been named The Paths of Chanoch, in memory of Dayan Chanoch Ehrentreu, who passed away last month. Dayan Ehrentreu was head of the European Beth Din and instrumental in strengthening halachic observance throughout the continent.

The WhatsApp call service will offer advice on issues such as Jewish law and medicine, marriage, purity, kashrut and money-related matters. The aim is to respond to inquiries within an hour.

“This call centre is crucial for rabbis in so many of our communities,“ said CER president Chief Rabbi Pinchas Goldschmidt. “All our rabbis can now have access to the very best halachic advice, almost instantaneously.

“We are using the very best of technology to strengthen Jewish life. Named after our esteemed dayan and guide Dayan Ehrentreu, it certainly bears his legacy.”